Team building games are activities or exercises designed to promote teamwork and collaboration among group members. These games can be used to improve communication, trust, problem-solving skills, and other important team dynamics. Team building games can be played in-person or virtually, and they can be adapted to fit the needs and goals of the team.
The benefits of team building games are numerous. They can help teams develop stronger bonds and relationships, increase trust and morale, improve communication and collaboration, enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, and create a positive team culture. Team building games can be particularly useful for teams that are new or have recently undergone changes, as they can help team members get to know each other and learn how to work together effectively.
In this article, we will provide a list of 27 team building games, divided into indoor, outdoor, and virtual categories. The games on this list are suitable for a variety of settings and can be adapted to fit the needs of different teams. Whether you are looking for games to play in a conference room, a park, or over video conference, you will find plenty of options on this list. So if you are looking to boost teamwork and collaboration on your team, read on to discover some exciting and engaging team building games!
How to Make Team Building Games Inclusive
Inclusiveness is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment, and team building activities are no exception. To make team building inclusive, organizations must ensure that all team members feel valued, respected, and included in the activities. Here are some tips for making team building inclusive:
Select Appropriate Team Building Games
When selecting team building games and activities, it’s crucial to choose ones that are accessible to all team members, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. For example, icebreaker games that rely on physical ability or hand-eye coordination may exclude some team members. Consider incorporating virtual team building games that can be done from a computer or smartphone, making them accessible to all.
Encourage Active Participation
Ensure that all team members have the opportunity to participate in team building activities. Encourage active participation by creating a welcoming and supportive environment, and provide accommodations as needed to help all team members feel comfortable and confident.
Foster a Culture of Inclusiveness
The foundation of inclusive team building is a supportive and inclusive work culture. Organizations can foster a culture of inclusiveness by promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encouraging open communication and collaboration among all team members.
Embrace Diversity
Embracing diversity means valuing and respecting the differences among team members. When team members feel valued and respected, they are more likely to participate fully in team building activities and contribute their unique perspectives and ideas.
Incorporating these tips into your team building activities can help to create a more inclusive and productive work environment. By promoting teamwork, communication, and collaboration among all team members, organizations can improve productivity, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships.
Related content: 27 Communication Games to Improve Corporate Culture and Productivity
Indoor Team Building Games
Human Knot
“Human Knot” is a dynamic and challenging team building game that promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. To play this game, team members must stand in a circle and reach into the center to grab onto someone else’s hand with their right hand. Also, do the same with the left hand. The team must then work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. This may sound easy, but it requires teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills to successfully complete the task. As team members work together to untangle their human knot, they’ll be strengthening their bonds and improving their ability to work together effectively. Give “Human Knot” a try and see how well your team performs.
Two Truths and a Lie
“Two Truths and a Lie” is a classic team building game that is perfect for helping team members get to know each other better. In this game, each team member takes a turn telling the group three things about themselves – two that are true, and one that is a lie. The rest of the team must then try to guess which of the statements is the lie. This game requires team members to listen carefully to each other and to pay attention to the details shared. As they try to determine which statement is the lie, they’ll also be practicing their communication skills and their ability to listen effectively. “Two Truths and a Lie” is a fun and engaging way to build team bonds and improve communication on your team.
The Marshmallow Challenge
“The Marshmallow Challenge” is a popular team building game that is both challenging and fun. In this game, teams of 4-6 people are tasked with building the tallest free-standing structure using only 20 sticks of spaghetti, a yard of tape, a yard of string, and a marshmallow. The marshmallow must be placed on top of the structure. This game requires teams to work together, collaborate, and think creatively in order to come up with a solution that will allow them to build the tallest structure possible. The Marshmallow Challenge is a great way to get your team thinking outside the box and working together to achieve a common goal.
The Great Egg Drop
The Great Egg Drop is a thrilling team building game that puts your team’s creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. In this game, teams must design a contraption using only a limited set of materials (such as paper, cardboard, straws, etc.) that will protect an egg when dropped from a certain height. This requires teams to think creatively and work together to come up with a solution that will keep the egg safe. As they design and build their contraption, teams will be practicing their teamwork and problem-solving skills. “The Great Egg Drop” is a fun and exciting way to boost your team’s creativity and encourage collaboration. Give it a try and see how your team fares!
Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic team building game that is fun for all ages. In this game, one team member is designated as “Simon” and gives commands to the rest of the team, starting with the phrase “Simon says.” The team must follow the command only if it is preceded by “Simon says.” If a command is given without “Simon says,” the team must not follow it. This game requires team members to pay close attention to the instructions given by the “Simon”, and to listen carefully to distinguish between commands that should be followed and those that should be ignored. “Simon Says” is a simple and enjoyable way to build teamwork and communication skills within your team.
Team Building Jenga
“Team Building Jenga” is a unique team building game that is sure to bring your team closer together. In this game, a Jenga set is used with each block labeled with a different team building activity or challenge (such as “compliment a teammate,” “share a personal story,” etc.). Players take turns pulling out a block and completing the activity or challenge written on it. As the game progresses and blocks are removed, the Jenga tower becomes increasingly unstable, symbolizing the importance of teamwork and communication in maintaining stability. As team members complete the activities and challenges, they’ll be strengthening their bonds and developing their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. “Team Building Jenga” is a fun and interactive way to improve team cohesion and teamwork.
Trust Walk
“The Trust Walk” tests team members’ ability to work together and communicate effectively. In this game, one team member is blindfolded and must rely on the rest of the team to guide them through an obstacle course. As the blindfolded teammate navigates the course, the rest of the team must work together to communicate clearly and guide them safely through the obstacles. This game requires team members to trust each other and work together to achieve a common goal. As they complete the course, they’ll be developing their teamwork and communication skills. “The Trust Walk” is a fun and exciting way to build trust and teamwork within your team.
Who Am I?
“Who Am I?” is a familiar game that helps team members improve their communication and thinking skills. To play, each team member writes the name of a famous person or character on a sticky note and sticks it to the forehead of the person next to them (without letting them see the name). Team members then have to ask yes or no questions to each other in order to figure out who they are. This game requires team members to listen carefully to each other’s questions and answers, and to think critically in order to deduce the identity of the person on their sticky note. As the team works together to figure out who they are, they’ll be developing their communication skills and ability to work through problems together.
The Mummy Wrap
“The Mummy Wrap” is a hilarious way to get your team laughing and bonding. In this game, teams must work together to wrap a team member in toilet paper as quickly as possible, trying to create the most realistic-looking “mummy”. With a time limit in place, teams must communicate effectively and delegate tasks to ensure that the mummy is wrapped to perfection. As team members work together to complete the task, they’ll also be developing their creativity skills. This game is a light-hearted and enjoyable way to strengthen team bonds and have some fun.
The Hula Hoop Pass
“The Hula Hoop Pass” is a fun and dynamic team building game that challenges teams to work together and communicate effectively. Have your team stand in a circle and hold hands, and place a hula hoop in between two members. The objective of the game is to pass the hula hoop around the circle without the team letting go of each others’ their hands. This may sound easy, but it requires creative thinking and cooperation to find ways to move the hula hoop around. As the team works together to pass the hula hoop, they’ll also be developing their teamwork and communication skills. This game is a great way to get team members to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to challenges. Give it a try and see how your team fares!
Moon Landing (NASA Game)
“Moon Landing”emphasizes teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills. The objective is to help a space crew to survive and reach the rendezvous point on the moon after a difficult landing.
The game requires participants to rank 15 items listed as being intact and undamaged after landing, in terms of their importance for their crew. The team must work together to prioritize the items, encouraging communication, cooperation, and decision making skills among the players. The goal is to get teams to talk about their answers and make a case to each other so that they can reach the destination point.
Labyrinth Game
“Labyrinth” uses mazes and obstacles to test teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The objective is to have the team work together to find their way through a maze created by the game leader. Only one person may enter the labyrinth at a time, testing each square to discover the correct path. The game requires participants to communicate effectively and find creative solutions so that the whole team can eventually pass through.
Outdoor Team Building Games
Trust Falls
“Trust Falls” really helps team members build trust and deepen their vulnerability with each other. In this game, team members take turns falling backwards and trusting their teammates to catch them. This may sound simple, but it requires a high level of trust and teamwork to successfully complete the task. As team members work together to catch their teammates, they’ll be strengthening their bonds and improving their ability to communicate and work together effectively.
Blindfolded Obstacle Course
“The Blindfolded Obstacle Course” is a challenging team building game that tests team members’ ability to work together, communicate effectively, and build trust. It’s similar to “Labyrinth”, only outside. In this game, one team member is blindfolded and must rely on the rest of the team to guide them through an outdoor obstacle course. As the blindfolded teammate navigates the course, the rest of the team must work together to communicate clearly and guide the blindfolded member safely through the obstacles. This game requires team members to trust each other and work together to achieve a common goal. As they complete the course, they’ll be strengthening their teamwork and communication skills. “The Blindfolded Obstacle Course” is a fun and exciting way to build trust and teamwork within your team.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
“The Nature Scavenger Hunt” is a fun and engaging outdoor team building game that encourages teamwork, communication, and observation skills. Teams are given a list of items that can be found in nature (such as leaves, rocks, sticks, etc.) and must search for and collect as many items on the list as possible within a certain time limit. This game requires teams to work together, communicate effectively, and observe their surroundings carefully in order to find the items on the list. “The Nature Scavenger Hunt” is a great way to get your team working together and exploring the great outdoors.
Tug of War
“Tug of War” is a classic outdoor team building game that tests team members’ physical strength and teamwork skills. In this game, two teams face off and try to pull a rope towards their side. With each team pulling with all their might, the team that manages to pull the other team across the center line is declared the winner. Tug of War requires teams to work together, communicate effectively, and use their combined strength to overcome their opponents.. It’s a fun and simple way to encourage light competition and have fun outside.
Hiking
Hiking as a team is a great way to bond and build teamwork skills, and it’s as simple as going outside and finding a train (try finding a path that most people on your team can easily do. You could also plan a longer hiking and camping excursion as well, but this will require more planning). When going on a hike together, team members must work together to navigate the trail and support each other along the way. This requires good communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Plus, while hiking team members have the chance to chat with each other and develop stronger relationships. Hiking is a fun and enjoyable way to build teamwork and explore the great outdoors with your team.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun and exciting outdoor team building game that promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. In this game, teams use GPS coordinates to search for and find hidden geocaches. These geocaches are small containers that have been hidden in various locations, and can only be found by using GPS coordinates and following clues. Teams must work together, communicate effectively, and use their problem-solving skills to follow the clues and find the hidden treasure. Geocaching is a great way to get your team working and exploring together in new places. While it might require a bit of preparation, give it a try and see how well your team does!
Water Balloon Toss
“The Water Balloon Toss” is another classic that promotes teamwork, communication, and coordination. In this game, teams stand in a line and toss a water balloon back and forth, trying not to let it burst. As the water balloon is passed from one team member to the next, team members must communicate effectively and coordinate their movements in order to successfully catch and throw the balloon. The Water Balloon Toss is a perfect activity to get your team outside and having dun together, especially when the weather gets good.
Capture the Flag
“Capture the Flag” is a classic outdoor team building game that promotes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness. It’s a game that requires a lot of space, so we recommend doing it in a large park or field. In this game, two teams compete against each other to capture the other team’s flag while protecting their own. Each team must work together, develop a strategy, and outmaneuver their opponents. “Capture the Flag” adds a bit of friendly competitive fun to your team’s routine, and is a memorable experience.
Frisbee Golf
“Frisbee Golf” is a fun and exciting outdoor team building game that promotes teamwork, communication, and physical coordination. In this game, teams play a round of frisbee golf, trying to get a frisbee into a series of targets using the fewest number of throws. It’s another game that works well in wide open spaces, but it will teach your team how to work together and reform their strategy to accomplish their goals.
Relay Race
Relay Races are a fun and exciting outdoor team building activity that we all remember from school. All you need is to find a track. In this game, teams compete in a series of races, passing a baton or other object from one team member to the next. As they compete in the races, team members must work together, communicate effectively, and use their physical fitness skills. Supporting each other is also a key part of this game. Relay Races are a great way to get your team moving and working together.
Online Team Building Games
Virtual Escape Room
Virtual Escape Rooms are thrilling and challenging virtual team building games that promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Teams work together to solve puzzles within a virtual space within a certain time limit. Team members must communicate effectively and use their problem-solving skills to find clues and solve the puzzles. Invite Japan has a variety of virtual games for teams to try, from spy-based detective mysteries to magical adventures exploring Okinawa.
Virtual Trivia Night
Virtual Trivia Night is a great and easy-to-plan way to bring your team together and learn something new. In this game, teams compete against each other in a virtual trivia contest, answering questions on a variety of topics. These can be general knowledge-themed topics like Geography or History, knowledge or facts about your work or company, or personal facts about individual members. No matter what, Virtual Trivia Night will get your team members thinking and laughing together in a low-stakes competitive environment.
Virtual Art Jam
Virtual Art Jams are a creative and fun virtual team building game promoting shared creativity and openness. In this game, teams work together to create a piece of art or design using virtual art tools. As they create the art, team members must communicate effectively and use their creativity to contribute to the final product. Virtual Art Jams engage team members to think outside the box and use their skills to create something truly unique, a lesson that they can definitely bring back with them and use in the office.
Virtual Cooking Challenge
The Virtual Cooking Challenge is a fun and delicious virtual team building game that gets your team laughing and cooking together. Teams work together virtually to prepare a meal or dish. The challenge is communicating online while also making sure the dishes taste good. This is a game that will both improve communication and whet team members’ taste buds.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Virtual Scavenger Hunts are quick ways to get your team moving during online meetings, and can easily be implemented in a short amount of time. In this game, teams compete against each other to be the first to find and collect a list of items. The items can be found around team members’ homes (ex: find as many items as you can that start with the letter “P”). Team members not only have to communicate with their team members, they also end up learning about each other in the process.
How can team building games benefit a team?
Team building games are a fantastic way to strengthen the bonds between team members, increase creativity and problem-solving skills, and boost morale. By participating in fun and engaging activities together, team members can learn more about each other and develop stronger relationships.
This can lead to improved communication and trust within the team, which can in turn enhance team performance. Whether you’re looking to break the ice with new team members, or simply want to have some fun and build morale, there’s a team building game out there that’s perfect for your team.
How do you choose the right team building game for your team?
Choosing the right team building game for your team can be a challenging task, as there are so many different options to choose from. To select the right game, it’s important to consider the size and dynamics of your team, as well as the specific goals and objectives you hope to achieve through the game. Some factors to consider when choosing a team building game include:
- The size of your team: Some games work better with larger teams, while others are more suited to small groups.
- The location: Some games can be played indoors, while others require an outdoor space.
- The level of physical activity: Some games are more physically demanding than others, so it’s important to choose a game that is appropriate for the fitness levels of your team.
- The duration of the game: Some games can be played in a short amount of time, while others may require more time to complete.
- The specific skills or objectives you hope to improve: Different games focus on different skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or creativity. Consider which skills you want to improve and choose a game that is specifically designed to enhance those skills.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right team building game for your team and ensure that it is both enjoyable and effective.
What are some examples of team building games?
There are many different types of team building games, ranging from simple icebreakers to more complex and challenging activities. Some examples include:
- Trust falls: In this game, team members take turns falling backwards and trusting their teammates to catch them.
- Virtual escape rooms: Teams work together to solve puzzles inside a virtual space.
- Human knot: Team members stand in a circle and grab onto each other’s hands, then try to untangle themselves without letting go.
- Marshmallow challenge: Teams have to build the tallest free-standing structure using only a limited set of materials.
- Two truths and a lie: Team members take turns telling the group two truths about themselves and one lie, while the other team members have to guess which statement is the lie.
- The great egg drop: Teams have to design a contraption using only a limited set of materials to protect an egg that is dropped from a certain height.
These are just a few examples of the many team building games that can be used to improve teamwork, team structure and team dynamics..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a team building game?
A team building game is an activity or exercise designed to promote teamwork and collaboration among group members. These games can be used to improve communication, trust, problem-solving skills, and other important team dynamics. Team building games can be played in-person or virtually, and they can be adapted to fit the needs and goals of the team.
What are some examples of team building games?
Some examples of team building games include trust falls, obstacle courses, puzzle-solving games, communication exercises, leadership training, planning and decision-making activities, collaborative art projects, team sports or games, problem-solving tasks, and role-playing exercises.
What are the objectives of team building training?
The objectives of team building training can vary, but some common goals include improving communication and collaboration within the team, increasing trust and morale among team members, developing leadership and problem-solving skills, promoting teamwork and cooperation, enhancing creativity and innovation within the team, building stronger bonds and relationships within the team, increasing team productivity and efficiency, developing a positive team culture and identity, and helping team members learn more about each other and how to work together effectively.
Are team building games only for work teams?
No, team building games can be beneficial for any type of group, including sports teams, school groups, volunteer organizations, and more. These games can be used to improve teamwork and collaboration in any setting.
Can team building games be played virtually?
Yes, many team building games can be adapted for virtual play, using video conferencing tools and other online resources. Virtual team building games can be a great way for teams that are working remotely to bond and improve team unity.
